< PreviousW ith its clunky knobs, spools of magnetic tape, and the rhythmic tempo of its playback, the tape recorder became the cornerstone of audio culture, transforming the mundane into the magical with a mere press of a button. With the rise of platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal, the notion of music consumption has undergone a digital revolution, transforming the way artists create, distribute, and connect with their audiences. Yet, amidst the algorithms and auto playlists of the streaming era, there remains a longing for the tangible intimacy of the tape recorder—the warmth of analog sound, the tactile pleasure of physical media. Conceived in the mid-20th century, the tape recorder emerged as a marvel of engineering—a contraption that could capture the beauty of sound and preserve it for posterity. This was a time when magnetic tape technology was first developed as a means of recording and reproducing sound. In the post-war boom of the 1950s, the advent of reel- to-reel tape recorders revolutionised the world of audio production, enabling musicians and sound engineers to capture performances with unprecedented fidelity and precision. For generations of artists, musicians, and everyday enthusiasts, the tape recorder was more than just a tool—it was a companion, a confidant, a portal to worlds unseen and melodies unheard. In the dimly lit studios of Greenwich Village, the poets and troubadours of the Beat Generation wove their verses and refrains into the tapestry of tape, immortalising their words for eternity. Yet, the tape recorder’s influence extended far beyond the bohemian enclaves of New York City. In living rooms and bedrooms across the country, amateur auteurs captured the cacophony of life—the laughter of children, the whispers of lovers, the gentle hum of everyday existence—all etched onto the magnetic surface of reel-to-reel tape. With the advent of the cassette tape in the 1970s, the tape recorder underwent a metamorphosis, evolving from a behemoth of analog antiquity to a compact marvel of modern convenience. But as the digital age dawned and the compact disc usurped the throne of audio supremacy, the tape recorder faded into the annals of nostalgia. vintage tech By Sindhu V Kashyap A sneak peek into the tape recorder, and wound spools of magnetic tape. 10 edge_ march 202412 edge_march 2024 world government summit 2024 From Dubai to the World: Insights and Initiatives from WGS 2024 Harnessing AI for global progress: Highlights from the World Government Summit 2024 EVENT 97 million Projected AI workers globally T he recently concluded World Government Summit (WGS) held in Dubai proved to be a pivotal gathering of global leaders, decision-makers, and visionaries, marking a milestone in shaping the trajectory of international relations and technological advancements. Over two days of insightful discussions, interactive sessions, and strategic collaborations, the summit highlighted the transformative power of innovation, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital governance. At the forefront of the summit stood the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Narendra Modi, whose address underscored the importance of inclusive governance and technological innovation in shaping the global economy. Emphasising Dubai’s emergence as a beacon of commerce and technology, PM Modi lauded the city’s transformation and urged governments worldwide to adopt smart, inclusive policies. The launch of the “Building Responsible Artificial Intelligence Forum (BRAIN)” by the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, signalled a pivotal step towards harnessing the potential of AI for positive societal impact. With over 97 million projected AI workers globally, the forum highlighted the imperative for governments to embrace AI responsibly and foster innovation in digital economies.edge_march 2024 13 world government summit 2024 the survey served as a compass for navigating the complex landscape of global governance and maximising public value. In the world of technological innovation, the summit showcased the pivotal role of AI chips in driving the next wave of AI development. Led by visionaries like Sam Altman CEO of OpenAI and Jensen Huang CEO of NVIDIA, discussions underscored the importance of robust regulatory frameworks and international cooperation in mitigating the risks associated with AI’s unchecked expansion. Altman’s audacious vision for securing trillions of dollars for AI-chip manufacturing, coupled with the UAE’s commitment to advancing AI governance through initiatives like BRAIN, reaffirmed the nation’s position as a global hub for AI innovation. As the Middle East emerges as a nexus of innovation and investment in AI, the region’s role in shaping the future of technology has never been more pronounced. The summit left an indelible mark on the global stage, galvanising leaders to embrace innovation, foster international cooperation, and chart a course towards a more inclusive and technologically-driven future. In an era defined by rapid change and uncertainty, the summit served as a beacon of hope and optimism, uniting nations in their shared pursuit of progress and prosperity. HE Omar bin Sultan Al Olama UAE Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications PM Narendra Modi, of the Republic of India spoke about the importance of inclusion in the use of AI for governance. “Forum highlighted the imperative for governments to embrace AI responsibly” The Global Ministers Survey, unveiled by PwC Middle East, provided invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing governments in the digital age. With a focus on citizen-centric solutions and the role of GenAI, CYBEROLOGY ART OF THE Mohannad Alkalash, Founder of CyberX talks about the perfect blend of cybersecurity and psychology resulting in an innovative cyber awareness programme. BUSINESS cover story By Arya Devi 14 edge_march 2024cover storycover story edge_march 2024 1516 edge_march 2024 cover story T he truth about technology is that “change is the only constant,” especially in the cybersecurity space. This change could have positive or negative implications as time progresses in a world where cyber threats continue to evolve, posing a significant risk to organisations globally. Therefore, the need for robust cybersecurity strategies is more crucial than ever. Recognising this growing threat, Mohannad Alkalash took a proactive step by launching CyberX back in 2019. Before the world felt the full force of escalating cyberattacks, CyberX has stood and continues to stand as the pioneering Arabic platform dedicated to equipping both individuals and organisations with the essential knowledge required for safe navigation through the digital landscape. Headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, CyberX Cybersecurity mission “To leave a lasting impact on people across the Arab world, creating a paradigm shift in cybersecurity awareness.” cover storyedge_march 2024 17 cover story Collaborative essence The key lies in collaboration, working closely with authorities to disseminate awareness aims to be the leading hub for cyber awareness in the Arab world, with plans to expand its footprint across all Arab countries and beyond. CyberX is a platform with a firm commitment to fostering cybersecurity awareness, enriching Arabic content in this domain, and facilitating the exchange of expertise among professionals on the latest advancements in the field. In an exclusive interview with edge/, Alkalash put the spotlight on the significance of cybersecurity awareness, particularly emphasising the human element. He noted, “Cybersecurity awareness extends beyond mere technological fixes; it involves a cultural shift within organisations.” “As a critical component of the global information security programme and a means of changing cyber culture by increasing responsibility, awareness, and security online, cybersecurity awareness is essential for any organisation. It also enables you to accomplish a great deal of tasks that are on any organisation’s to-do list, such as cutting down on needless losses, upholding compliance marketing for the cybersecurity department, minimising human error in the digital realm, fostering engagement with the organisation as a whole, and preserving credibility and trust,” he said. Often, security breaches are perceived as isolated incidents, where vulnerabilities are exposed, and data is leaked. The reality, however, is a labyrinth of interconnected threats in the dark corners of the web, where information becomes a commodity, and organisations face the daunting prospect of breaches affecting not only them but entire regions and countries. This is where awareness becomes key. Cyberology: The blend of cybersecurity and psychology As we unravelled the layers of CyberX’s genesis, it became evident that the core philosophy is what sets them apart. The mission as Alkalash said, is “To leave a lasting impact on people across the Arab world, creating a paradigm shift in cybersecurity awareness.” They achieve this by understanding what they call “Cyberology”: the blend of cybersecurity and psychology. “The primary motivation and inspiration behind the creation of the CyberX platform stemmed from our recognition of the lack of structured, quantifiable, and enhanceable awareness initiatives in the conventional approach to awareness. We observed that traditional awareness methods relied on sporadic activities from the customers, such as sending emails, creating simple motion “Cybersecurity awareness extends beyond mere technological fixes; it involves a cultural shift within organisations”18 edge_march 2024 cover story cybersecurity culture within an organisation becomes evident in the digital terrain where cyber threats are not static entities but dynamic forces that demand a proactive approach. Cyberology serves as a guiding principle, fostering resilient defence against cyber-attacks through crucial elements such as awareness and education, responsibility, collaboration, risk management, continuous improvement, leadership, and support. This concept is implemented into CyberX through their AwareX awareness program. Insights framework The heart of CyberX With the concept of Cyberology and the AwareX programme, what comes to light is the methodology implemented. To address the void in cybersecurity awareness frameworks, CyberX introduced the INSIGHT Framework, a structured approach that aligns with its acronym (Initial, Notice, Strategise, Initiate, Gauge, Harness, and To Reinforce). Each phase in this framework plays a specific role in the intricate part of building a comprehensive cybersecurity awareness programme. CyberX’s systematic approach to implementing the INSIGHT Framework guides a journey through the complexities of cybersecurity awareness. It starts with the foundational step of raising awareness, focusing not only on threats but also on the importance of security itself. This entails offering comprehensive training, education, workshops, and engaging content. “To protect digital resources and educate employees and community members about current threats, best practices, and pertinent information, we began by educating people about the significance of security and offering appropriate training, workshops, content, and engagement. Our goal is to support organisations in three primary areas: Providing the organisation with an awareness index, identifying any subsidiaries or contractors, and providing an awareness index about them, and enabling the organisation to have a risk profile index for every member and employee,” said Alkalash. What the future holds As CyberX continues to make significant strides in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, the organisation’s vision extends beyond geographical boundaries. The goal is not merely expansion but the establishment of official offices in more countries, forging partnerships with cybersecurity authorities, and solidifying its presence as a ubiquitous entity in the global cybersecurity landscape. “Our aspiration is to evolve into a global graphics, and often utilising pre-made content and disseminating it among the audience. This trend persisted over time, due to the absence of a structured programme from the cybersecurity awareness team to address and manage such activities. Recognising this gap, we identified the need to develop a systematic approach and integrate cybersecurity with psychology. This realisation led us to coin the term “Cyberology” – a concept aimed at bridging the cultural and psychological aspects within the realm of cybersecurity,” said Alkalash. Cyberology goes beyond mere technicalities, it is about melding collective attitudes, beliefs, behaviours, and practices related to cybersecurity within an organisation or community. It’s about creating a shared understanding of the importance of cybersecurity, instilling a sense of responsibility in individuals to protect digital assets, and foster the adoption of best practices to mitigate the cyber threats. The importance of cultivating a robust Mohannad Alkalash, Founder of CyberX edge_march 2024 19 cover story enterprise, and we’re thrilled about the impending release of our new book, “AwareX”. Embracing the concept of “Glocalisation,” we seek to blend global and local influences, fostering a “Glocal” approach. Our objective is to cultivate support rooted in each culture, leveraging resources from diverse nations to enhance knowledge and awareness in the Arab world. We are enthusiastic about extending this initiative worldwide, amplifying our impact on a global scale.” Alkalash said that the essence lies in collaboration, working closely with authorities to spread awareness and fortify the digital ramparts. By doing so, CyberX aims not only to secure digital assets but to foster a profound change in the way societies perceive and approach cybersecurity. The focus remains steadfast to provide structured cybersecurity awareness programmes and digital knowledge to organisations and countries, creating a resilient and informed global community. Cyberology A concept designed to bridge psychological aspects within the realm of cybersecurity INSIGHT Framework I - Initial: Representing the starting point of the cybersecurity awareness journey. In this phase, the organisation launches proactive measures to raise awareness about the significance of security. N - Notice: Notice is the phase where organisations become attuned to the digital landscape, actively identifying, and acknowledging potential threats and vulnerabilities. S - Strategise: Strategise is the critical phase where organisations formulate comprehensive plans to fortify their cybersecurity posture. This involves strategic decision-making regarding technology implementation, risk management, and the establishment of protocols. I – Initiate: Initiate emphasises the continuous nature of cybersecurity awareness. It underscores the need for an ongoing commitment to initiating new initiatives, adapting to evolving threats, and reinforcing the importance of cybersecurity within the organisational culture. G - Gauge: Gauge is the phase where organisations assess the effectiveness of their cybersecurity awareness initiatives. It involves measuring the impact of educational programmes, workshops, and engagement efforts. H - Harness: Harness signifies the active utilisation of insights gained during the cybersecurity awareness journey. This phase involves leveraging the knowledge and awareness cultivated within the organisation to implement practical strategies. T – To Reinforce: This marks the concluding phase of the INSIGHT Framework. In this phase, organisations solidify the lessons learned and continuously reinforce cybersecurity practices. Next >